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Welcome to my blog... a platform for all things fashion, creativity and female empowerment.

Here at Brimah + John I have two main beliefs "No-one can dictate you, to you" and "aspire for progress not perfection".

“This is a space where voices are heard and it turns out, I’m really good at listening”

— NBJ

Guest contributors are always welcome, so get friendly with that "contact us" tab on the left

In The Hot Seat With @RaysZone

Here at Brimah and John, we have numerous inspirations! One of which are fabulous women, with a passion and a drive to do what they love and what makes them happy. These women are forging a path for themselves in their chosen fields and are an inspiration to us all. So what we like to do, is sit them down in the hot seat, shine a spot light on them... and get to know them a little better.

If there's one thing I love it's modest fashion, I be stalking fashionistas hitting that "like" button on a daily.. As a modest fashion brand I've developed a new found respect for other brands in the bizz, especially women. It's like a secret club with our own secret handshake (all in my head obvi lol). The hustle is the same, and y'all know I believe team work makes the dream work. *shoves women supporting women picket signs in everyones faces #SupportTheMovement* ... So this week we welcome *drum roll* Ruqayyah of Rays Zone modest fashion brand into our hot seat.

Firstly, let's learn a little about the woman behind the brand, tell us about yourself...

Tell us a bit about Rays Zone the brand, how it all started and the concept behind it...

Ray's zone was the name of my blog and it encapsulated my fashion, faith, DIY diaries and health talk. But 'Ray's' as a fashion brand started 3years ago. I started by making dresses and skirts for myself then for family and friends and now to everyone out there who loves modesty. My love for modest fashion and fabrics is the zeal behind 'Ray' and the concept is to provide modest clothing to the muslimah and society at large.

What is your background? What were you doing before Rays Zone?

Coordinator at "Health Talk Group", a non governmental organization that specializes in educating secondary school children on healths

How has you journey been? Challenges and highlights?

The biggest hurdle I’ve faced and continue to face is lack of marketing strategies on social media. My background is in Biology. As a result, a big challenge for me is finding the best way to explain why muslim women need to buy my wears and of course why they should patronise Ray clothing.

Looking back is there anything you had like to do differently?

Of course most definitely. I wish back then that I knew how to focus on the things that matter most. I think the secret is to focus on the things that make a difference.

‎How would you describe your daily routine?

Reading the Quran, sketching, sowing, house chores and motherhood duties and responsibilities some beauty routine like pampering myself with avocado pear (if time permits)

How do you unwind from a particularly difficult day?

Nap, play with my kid and surf the net

What's next for Rays Zone?

Short term goals, to work on an efficient delivery system all over the world and long term goals to be a globally admired modest fashion company that women around the world would love and trust.

I never thought this question would be so hard to answer! My style is definitely girly, feminine and modest, almost to a fault, although I wouldn’t really say I have a set style. Honestly I love it all. It really just depends on my mood. Some days I feel really girly and glam, and other days I feel really funny and head for my blazer and tees.

What's your hijab story? How did you start wearing it?

I Started the full hijab in 100level uni days . I was motivated by a bro and my lecturer then Late(prof) N. o Muhammad (May Allah be pleased with him). He didn't have to say much since I already knew it importance but wasn't just constant.

If you weren't in fashion, what would you be doing?

Presentating and writing. Although being in the fashion world doesn't stop or hinder any of these but I have too much to take care of already. Someday..

If you could only keep three things from your wardrobe what would you pick?

I would probably have to say an abaya; they can immediately be dressed down in so many ways and they are very free and you can put them on to absolutely anywhere. A veil and a pair of shoes

Who's your style crush?

Celebrity fashion just really isn’t my thing. I find them to be irrelevant. My fashion icons are real women that I can relate to. Also love muslimahs who are modest and natural like Hakeemah Cmb who I have loved since 2011, I Love hajia belle too, Hanna Anna and so many other beautiful women out there.

It's definitely being a television host and of course for the deen. In fact,it's something I love to do way back from secondary school days. Owing a foundation for the less privilege

‎Sunglasses at the beach, or Wellies on an adventure trail?

Wellies on an adventure trail

Describe your dream getaway?

Haram (Saudi Arabia)

Are you a book worm or film fanatic?

As a kid and in Uni, book worm but now a film fanatic

What are your favourite books or films?

3 idiots and The Kings daughter

What's your biggest pet peeve?‎

Hmmm, that's a secret mhan

If you could go shopping in anyone's wardrobe, who's would it be?

Hajia Belle and style pantry (she has lots in her wardrobe that can be 'hijabified').

‎You've gone a week without your phone, laptop, or any other interpersonal contact, what's the first thing you do when you get them back?

My phone and of course to go through my log and social media

What's one thing you know now that you wish younger you knew?

To be more focus and stay positive always

Any advice for all the women out there carving their paths in life?

No one is born a CEO, but no one tells you that, instagram makes it look like Inayah and Hanna Anna woke up one day and wanted to make awesome modest fashion wears for women. No they didn’t.

You don’t have to go big. I was worried when I first started that I was broke, didn’t I need an investor or a sponsor? Certainly, sponsors and investors can help, but they aren’t a requirement. However, despite being small, I’ve been able to start up and build a fashion house that is going places Alhamdulillah. The trick has been to stay focused on quality instead of quantity.

Also, Make sure you have all the ingredients to increase the chances for success. The three main ones are passion, capital, and vast knowledge. Starting a Fashion business is no different than starting any other company. The competition is fierce, as everyone is virtually a designer. It would definitely take some time to be known, but you shouldn’t give up.

I would advise you to also treat entrepreneurship as a series of baby steps. With each business you gain more experience, contacts and capital.

Lastly, I know this sounds so cliché but please don’t forget Dua solves and rectifies everything. Also do istikhara before starting, istikhara isn’t only meant for seeking a spouse it has always been my first point of call in all things I do.

Thank you Brimah and John for featuring me! I love what you guys are doing, I’ve found so many posts on this website interesting and beneficial. May Almighty Allah reward you abundantly. Ameen

Gotta love the answers to the advice questions, every week we consistently get some really good pieces of advice! Damn right no-one is born a CEO! Can I just add, sometimes being CEO isn't necessarily what's for you (google Sophia Amoruso). There's something out there for everyone, and there's not only one route to success. Baby steps like Ruqayyah said!